Kamran Khan, a 19-year-old artist from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has taken social media by storm with his intricate leaf carvings, creating portraits and designs that blend tradition with artistic innovation.
Originally from Bajaur in Pakistan’s tribal belt, Kamran moved to Peshawar for his studies and currently attends Islamia College as a political science student. Despite his academic and family business responsibilities, Kamran has made time to develop his passion for art, specializing in leaf carving—a unique medium he adopted after watching a video that inspired him to explore the art form.
“I have been doing art since childhood, but I wanted to try something different,” Kamran told Arab News. Using a special type of leaf dried for two days, Kamran carves detailed images with precision and care, crafting portraits of politicians, celebrities, and even tribal elders. Among his notable works are portraits of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which he posted on TikTok, gaining significant attention.
Social media has played a major role in Kamran’s rise. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have allowed him to reach a global audience and take orders for both digital and framed leaf artworks. His dedication earned him recognition when Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab, appreciated his work after he created her portrait and invited him to the CM House, awarding him a cash prize.
Kamran is motivated to continue using his art to showcase Pakistan’s culture to the world. “I aim to represent my country and promote our province through this art,” he shared, looking forward to expanding his reach as a cultural ambassador.
